Everyone says the Île de Ré is a cyclist’s paradise — flat trails, sea air, sunshine. But can you actually do serious cycling here, or is it more about baskets, beaches, and ice cream stops?
In this video, I explore what it’s really like to ride across France’s Atlantic island — from salt marshes to seaside villages, and those endless cycle paths that criss-cross the island. I’ll answer the key questions:
0:00 Intro
0:39 Where Is the Île de Ré & How Big is it ?
1:13 Is the Île de Ré Good for Cycling? Who’s It For?
1:45 Getting Around the Île de Ré
2:21 Île de Ré Routes & Scenery
3:21 Île de Ré Atmosphere & Villages
4:00 Verdict – Serious Cycling or Summer Spin?
Whether you’re planning a summer cycling holiday or a quick escape from La Rochelle, this video shows you what to expect when you ride the Île de Ré.
Don’t miss my previous video about crossing the Pont de l’Île de Ré [https://youtu.be/YZ9zy2RzAY0] — the stunning 2.9km bridge that connects the island to the mainland: [link to video]
This island didn’t make it onto my “Best Places to Cycle in France” video — find out why, and check out that video next to see what did! [https://youtu.be/VZmuJhp0zec]
#CyclingFrance #IledeRe #CyclingHoliday #Velodyssée #BikeTravel
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Everyone says the Île de Ré is perfect for
cycling, flat trails, sea air, sunshine, but is it somewhere you can really put in the miles
or just a place to spin between beaches and cafes? If you’ve seen my pont de lÎle de Ré
video, you’ll know how incredible the ride across the bridge is. But what’s it
like once you actually hit the island? Hey, how you doing? I’m on the Île de Ré plugged in a
30 kilometer ride on Strava. It’s super hot day and at the moment I’m in Saint-Martin-de- Ré.
Let’s see where we go. The Île de Ré sits just off France’s Atlantic coast near La Rochelle. A
quick hop across the bridge and you’re in another world. It’s about 30 km long with over 100 km
of dedicated cycling trails clearly marked by green signs that crisscross the whole island. You
can ride from end to end in a day if you want, but most people slow down and explore because
cycling here isn’t about speed. It’s about rhythm, sea breeze, salt air, and the sound of tires
on gravel. Okay, we’re straight out into the countryside. Beautiful thing about the Île
de Ré is there’s cycle tracks everywhere and cyclists everywhere. You don’t need all the kit
to go cycling in Île de Ré. It’s brilliant for casual cycling. The train is flat, completely
flat, which makes it perfect for beginners, families, and anyone who just wants to
explore. The paths are safe, wel lsigned, and almost entirely separate from car traffic. But
with that comes a trade-off. If you’re looking for climbs and challenges, this isn’t it. You really
don’t need a car on the Île de Ré. Every major village — La Flotte, Ars-en-Ré, Le Bois-Plage,
Saint-Martin — is connected by cycle paths. And yes, you can cross the bridge by bike —
there’s a dedicated lane separated from traffic. If you prefer to rent, you’ll find bike shops
in almost every village. A standard hybrid higher costs around 12 to 15 a day, and ebikes
about €25 to30. Helmets are only mandatory for children under 12. So many bike hire shops.
It’s unbelievable. Best way to get around the lÎle de Ré is by bike. In my opinion, the best
route to trace the coastline and the old salt fields. You’ll pass oyster farms, wide beaches,
and little harbors that look straight out of a painting. I am meandering my way through the salt
fields on the lÎle de Ré. There are lots of places like this where they are selling salt. I guess the
temperature and with the sea in close proximity, it’s good for salt production. The salt marshes
are beautiful and confusing. It’s easy to lose your bearings among the white paths and shimmering
water. Man, just been through all the salt fields. Completely disorientating. I think I’m back on
track. I’ve got 10 km left to go, I think, until I get back to base. So, the salt fields fantastic
to see. uh very difficult to navigate. But getting lost here doesn’t feel like a problem. It’s
part of the charm. Each village feels different. Each village feels different.
Saint-Martin-de-Ré has harbours and cafés packed with cyclists.
La Flotte is postcard-pretty with cobbled streets. Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré is all
about its market and beaches. “Last stop of the day, Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré
— let’s see what we can find.” “Great big market going on today
— I was meant to go through there, so I’ll have to find my way
around it and then back to base.” You’ll share the paths with everyone. Families,
kids, dogs in trailers, and yes, the occasional road cyclist trying to weave through the
crowd. So, can you do serious cycling here? I is certainly a great place to ride. Cycle paths
dotted all over the place. Great for families and cyclists, kids. Loads of places to hire bikes. For
those more serious cyclists, it’s still great to get out and about. Don’t expect any challenging
terrain. The whole place is flat as a pancake. Exactly. This isn’t a place for training rides or
mountains. It’s a place for general kilometers, seaside stops, and a sunset ride back to
your campsite while someone strums a guitar. If you love cycling as a
way to explore, not compete, you’ll love it here. But if you do want
climbs, challenges, and big day rides, check out my best places to cycle in France
video next. The Île de Ré didn’t make the list, and you’ll see why. If you’re planning to come,
start with my Pont Île de Ré video. It’s the gateway to this little cycling island. As always,
thanks for watching and I’ll see you next time.
1 Comment
Never been to l’île de Re but now it’s definitely been added to my list. Great video – thanks for the inspiration!